Injection of cymopapain into intervertebral discs. Preliminary report on 72 patients with symptoms of disc disease.

The author presents an evaluation of 72 patients given intradiscal chymopapain as the treatment for symptoms related to ruptured intervertebral disc. The rationale, criteria for patient selection, risks, and results are described. The author believes thatt this early follow-up suggests tha chymopapain may have a place in the treatment of symptomatic disc protrusions and extrusions.